ETTRICK—The sales of specialty food products in the United States topped $63 billion in 2008, and with a little innovation farmers can turn their products into those hot-selling items.

During Virginia State University’s 25th Annual Agriculture Field Day on Aug. 26 at Randolph Farm, agricultural entrepreneurs will talk about how they have added value to farm products.

“Some of the best agricultural entrepreneurs in Virginia will be on hand to talk about how they got started in selling processed and packaged products from crops and livestock grown on their own farms,” said Dr. Wondi Mersie, associate dean, director of research and interim Extension administrator at VSU.

“This field day will be an eye-opening exploration of the highs and lows of value-added agriculture,” said Andy Hankins, VSU alternative agriculture Extension specialist. “The reality is that there is a promising market for value-added products if you are willing to do your homework.”

Representatives from Virginia farms will talk about fresh berry jams, farm-raised catfish, goat meat, grass-fed beef, herbal seasoning blends, Indian corn meal, pasture-raised pork, on-farm biodiesel fuel, organic produce, salsa and sweet sorghum.

Field day registration begins at 8 a.m., and the program and tours at 9. The event is free, but registration is required by Aug. 20. Contact Carol Streetman at cstreetman@vsu.edu.